Window treatments enhance the interior d閏or of your home and completely transform the look of your home. You can create a warm and cozy look, a traditional, elegant or modern look in your home just by adding different window treatments. Window treatments also help in maintaining privacy and controlling the light coming in. What is overlooked is their ability to make your home energy efficient. With the advance in technology, windows are normally manufactured with energy efficient performance, but simple window treatments add further to the energy efficiency while increasing the aesthetic appeal. They help in considerably reducing your heating and cooling costs and also prevent energy loss from your home.
Window treatments are available in a variety of styles, colors and materials. However with the increasing need to conserve and protect the environment, it is necessary that we use treatments made of eco friendly materials. Some of the common window treatments are-
Curtains and drapes: Curtains and drapes are usually made of natural materials like cotton, silk or linen. Both are available in different lengths, colors and patterns to complement your home decor. Though curtains and drapes are both used to block light and also provide protection against the cold drafts and prevent heat coming in and going out, there are some differences between them. Curtains are typically made of light weight fabrics and are hung just to fit the height and length of the windows. Drapes are made of heavier fabric and hung from the top of the window to the length of the floor, creating a grand and formal look. Curtains and fabrics are given a lining behind to add further insulation and also to protect the fabric from sun damage. If you live in hot climate regions, buy curtains and drapes with light color backings to reflect heat and light away from your home. Adding a cornice or valance to your curtains and drapes will decoratively hide the hardware and also add more insulation.
Blinds: Blinds not only block out the sunlight and help in giving you the needed privacy, they are good in reducing the heat gained from the sun. They also prevent cold air coming in during winter and hot air in summer. However they are not very helpful in preventing heat lost in the winter, so a combination of blinds and drapes can be used for better energy efficiency. Blinds are hung vertically or horizontally and are made of wood, metal or vinyl. After you have put up the blinds, it is also important that you use them in the right way. For example in summer, to prevent excess heat, close the blinds during the day and open them at night and in winter the other way round.
Shades: Shades too are another eco friendly option available in many styles. Shades are made out of solid plastic, fabrics or other materials cut to the shape of a window frame. The cut material is wrapped around a roller fitted on the top of the window frame. A pulley system or roll up sprocket mechanism allows you to pull the shade up and down and adjust the length at which the shade will hang down. Roller, balloon, tie-up, Roman, cellular and solar shades are some of their types.
As mentioned earlier, the purpose of window treatments is to add to the d閏or and increase the energy efficiency of your home. They will however work best with energy efficient windows. It is wise therefore to invest in energy efficient windows. Buy good quality Energy Star rated windows after doing a thorough research. Read reviews of Champion Window and other window companies to know what customers are saying. After installing your windows, go ahead with window treatments, also eco-friendly to make a difference in your home and the environment.
